FROM THE WEB: ‘Through Group Dating, Getting to Know You (and You and You)’ – The New York Times

(Photo Credit: The New York Times)

Through Group Dating, Getting to Know You (and You and You)

The New Yorker has published an article about group dating and the companies who offer it.

Marisa Meltzer’s article focuses on personal experiences of those who have gone group dating, and also talks to people in the industry about the concept.

Meltzer’s article also presents the advantages and disadvantages of this new way of dating.

Lauren Kay, founder of Dating Ring, says group dating is appealing because “a group maximizes the chances that you’ll hit it off with someone.”  

Abel Acuña, a founder of Martini, another group-dating service, stressed that participants prefer group dating because it seems closer to real life experiences and is not as stressful as one-on-one dates.

Even some traditional dating sites, like OKCupid.com and Match.com have group dating services.

Dating Ring gets groups together that usually consist of six people, but there are sites which prefer larger groups.

Dating in Groups and Grubwithus, for example, offer group dates at restaurants.

Match.com, one of the largest online dating sites, holds events called Stir, where users meet for activities like sushi-making classes or D.J. lessons.

Lastly, there are companies that try to de-emphasise the romantic side of the dating activities they offer.

The article mentions SoHo based company Grouper that fashions itself as a social club.

Grouper matches users who have to bring two friends with them at the date and the groups do not necessarily include only people who are looking for a romantic relationship.